This paper is an attempt to think through the possibilities and challenges of a nonviolent resistance, particularly in the context of Israel- Palestine conflict. Taking the work of Jessica Benjamin as a reference, I outline how a theory of recognition becomes that of acknowledgement through the inclusion of the notion of the witnessing ‘third’. This third is actively implicated in the injury caused by oppression and is called upon to do something about it. I refer to Judith Butler's account of the challenge of nonviolence to draw out some lessons on issues of vulnerability, cohabitation and justice. Finally, I return to the question of the kind of the witnessing third that makes a difference.